U.S. patent number 9,352,186 [Application Number 13/856,940] was granted by the patent office on 2016-05-31 for treadmill with selectively engageable deck stiffening mechanism.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott R. Watterson.
United States Patent |
9,352,186 |
Watterson |
May 31, 2016 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Treadmill with selectively engageable deck stiffening mechanism
Abstract
A treadmill includes an impact absorption mechanism operatively
positioned at least in part between a deck and a base frame of the
treadmill so that the impact absorption mechanism enables the deck
to move relative to at least a portion of the base frame during
impact events on the deck and a selectively engageable deck
stiffening mechanism that reduces the amount of movement of at
least a portion of the deck relative to the base frame during
impact events on the deck. The deck stiffening mechanism includes
one or more generally rigid members and an engaging mechanism. The
engaging mechanism selectively engages the one or more generally
rigid members with the deck to provide support to the deck during
impact events on the deck.
Inventors: |
Watterson; Scott R. (Logan,
UT) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Mendon |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
(Logan, UT)
|
Family
ID: |
49292764 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/856,940 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130267387 A1 |
Oct 10, 2013 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61620442 |
Apr 5, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
22/02 (20130101); A63B 22/0214 (20151001); A63B
22/0228 (20151001); A63B 2071/0638 (20130101); A63B
71/0622 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
22/02 (20060101); A63B 71/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;482/51,54,66,68,74,78,79,142,148 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Ginsberg; Oren
Assistant Examiner: Urbiel Goldner; Gary D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Holland & Hart LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/620,442 filed Apr. 5, 2012.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A treadmill comprising: a base frame having a pair of side frame
members; a pair of rotatable pulleys secured to and extending
between the side frame members; an endless belt trained over the
rotatable pulleys, the belt having an upwardly exposed exercise
section; a deck secured to the base frame, the deck providing
support to the upwardly exposed exercise section of said belt; an
impact absorption mechanism operatively positioned at least in part
between the deck and the base frame, wherein the impact absorption
mechanism enables the deck to move relative to at least a portion
of the base frame during impact events on the deck; and a
selectively engageable deck stiffening mechanism that eliminates
movement at a contact point between the deck stiffening mechanism
and the deck during impact events on the deck, the deck stiffening
mechanism comprising: one or more generally rigid members and an
engaging mechanism, wherein the engaging mechanism selectively
engages the one or more generally rigid members with the deck to
provide support to the deck during impact events on the deck; and
wherein the impact absorption mechanism is configured to be
incapable of contacting the contact point such that when the
engaging mechanism selectively disengages the one or more generally
rigid members from the deck, no support is provided at the contact
point during impact events on the deck.
2. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the impact absorption
mechanism comprises one or more cushioning members.
3. The treadmill of claim 2, wherein the one or more cushioning
members are made from rubber or foam.
4. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the one or more generally
rigid members are made of plastic, metal, or wood.
5. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the deck stiffening mechanism
comprises at least two generally rigid members.
6. The treadmill of claim 5, wherein the engaging mechanism
comprises a handle and an axle that interconnects the at least two
generally rigid members and the handle, wherein movement of the
handle engages and disengages the at least two generally rigid
members with the deck.
7. The treadmill of claim 6, wherein rotation of the handle
selectively engages and disengages the at least two generally rigid
members below the deck.
8. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the deck stiffening mechanism
comprises at least two independently operable generally rigid
members.
9. The treadmill of claim 1, wherein the engaging mechanism
comprises a motor in electric communication with an input device,
wherein the one or more generally rigid members may be selectively
engaged or disengaged in response to inputs received at the input
device.
10. The treadmill of claim 9 further comprising a control console,
wherein the input device comprises a button located on the control
console.
11. The treadmill of claim 10, wherein the control console includes
a display screen, the display screen displays an indicator, which
provides an indication as to whether the one or more generally
rigid members are engaged or disengaged with the deck.
12. The treadmill of claim 11, wherein the indicator comprises a
light that illuminates when the one or more generally rigid members
are engaged with the deck.
13. The treadmill of claim 11, wherein the indicator comprises a
word or words that provide information regarding whether the one or
more generally rigid members are engaged or disengaged with the
deck.
14. The treadmill of claim 1 further comprising at least two deck
stiffening mechanisms, wherein the deck stiffening mechanisms can
be selectively engaged and disengaged independently of each
other.
15. The treadmill of claim 1 further comprising a motor in
mechanical communication with the pair of rotatable pulleys.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices
for exercise. More particularly, the disclosure relates to
treadmills having one or more generally rigid members that are
selectively engageable with a treadmill deck to provide an exercise
surface that more realistically simulates a generally inflexible
surface.
BACKGROUND
Treadmills have become very popular for use in improving health and
fitness. Many commercially available treadmills include an endless
belt that rotates about rollers at each end. The belt may travel
across a deck surface that is supported by a frame member. The deck
may provide a generally rigid surface. The impact of an
individual's feet on a generally rigid surface may create various
injuries such as "shin splints" and other leg related problems.
Thus, many commercially available treadmills include a cushioning
mechanism that dampens the impact force of an exerciser's feet on
the deck during an exercise session on the treadmill. Many
cushioning mechanisms that may be used to dampen the impact force
of a user's feet are well known. Examples of various deck
cushioning mechanisms are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,441,468,
7,628,733, 5,279,528, 6,786,852, 7,563,205, and 6,174,267.
While systems that cushion or dampen the impact force of a user's
feet on a treadmill deck may help to avoid some injuries, there may
be times when an individual prefers to walk, run, or jog on a
treadmill deck that is rigid and inflexible. For example, some
individuals may use a treadmill to train or otherwise prepare for a
race, marathon, or other event that is to occur on a surface that
is rigid and generally inflexible, such as cement or pavement. For
these individuals, training on treadmill having a generally rigid
and inflexible deck may help the individual to prepare his or her
body for the actual conditions that will be encountered during the
event. On the other hand, training on a treadmill having a
cushioned and flexible deck may render the individual not only
unprepared for the event but more susceptible to injury during the
event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one example embodiment of the present invention, a treadmill
includes a base frame having a pair of side frame members and a
pair of rotatable pulleys secured to and extending between the side
frame members. An endless belt is trained over the rotatable
pulleys and has an upwardly exposed exercise section. A deck is
secured to the base frame and provides support to the upwardly
exposed exercise section of the belt. An impact absorption
mechanism is operatively positioned at least in part between the
deck and the base frame. The impact absorption mechanism enables
the deck to move relative to at least a portion of the base frame
during impact events on the deck. A selectively engageable deck
stiffening mechanism reduces the amount of movement of at least a
portion of the deck relative to the base frame during impact events
on the deck. The deck stiffening mechanism includes one or more
generally rigid members and an engaging mechanism. The engaging
mechanism selectively engages the one or more generally rigid
members with the deck to provide support to the deck during impact
events on the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the impact absorption mechanism comprises one or more
cushioning members.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the one or more cushioning members are made from rubber or
foam.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the one or more generally rigid members are made of
plastic, metal, or wood.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the deck stiffening mechanism comprises at least two
generally rigid members.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the engaging mechanism comprises a handle and an axle that
interconnects the at least two generally rigid members and the
handle.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, movement of the handle engages and disengages the at least
two generally rigid members with the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, rotation of the handle selectively engages and disengages
the at least two generally rigid members below the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the deck stiffening mechanism comprises at least two
independently operable generally rigid members.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the engaging mechanism comprises a motor in electric
communication with an input device.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the one or more generally rigid members may be selectively
engaged or disengaged in response to inputs received at the input
device.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the treadmill includes a control console with one or more
input devices.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the control console includes a display screen that displays
an indicator to indicate whether the one or more generally rigid
members are engaged or disengaged with the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the indicator comprises a light that illuminates when the
one or more generally rigid members are engaged with the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the indicator comprises a word or words that provide
information regarding whether the one or more generally rigid
members are engaged or disengaged with the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the treadmill includes at least two deck stiffening
mechanisms that can be selectively engaged and disengaged
independently of each other.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the treadmill includes a motor in mechanical communication
with the pair of rotatable pulleys.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a treadmill includes a flexible deck secured to side frame
members and positioned between rotatable pulleys, wherein the deck
flexes during impact events.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the deck provides support to the upwardly exposed exercise
section of a belt.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a selectively engageable deck stiffening mechanism reduces
the flexing of the deck during impact events.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the deck stiffening mechanism includes one or more
generally rigid members attached to an engaging mechanism.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the engaging mechanism selectively positions the generally
rigid member below and in contact with the deck to provide support
to the deck during impact events on the deck.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the one or more generally rigid members comprise at least
one generally rigid member that extends substantially the entire
distance between the pair of side frame members.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the engaging mechanism selectively positions at least one
generally rigid member below the deck at a point that is
approximately equidistant from the side frame members.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the engaging mechanism comprises a motor in electric
communication with an input device, wherein the one or more
generally rigid members may be selectively engaged or disengaged in
response to inputs received at the input device.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a treadmill includes a control console with an input
device.
In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, an input device comprises a button.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a treadmill with
one embodiment of a selectively engageable deck stiffening
mechanism.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the treadmill illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the deck stiffening mechanism illustrated
in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another deck stiffening mechanism
according to the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of yet another deck stiffening
mechanism according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a treadmill with still yet another
embodiment of a deck stiffening mechanism.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another deck stiffening mechanism
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is one embodiment of a treadmill 10
incorporating features of the present invention. Treadmill 10
includes upright frame portions 12a and 12b, which provide support
to a control console 14. Control console 14 can include one or more
output devices that are configured to present information to a
user. For example, control console 14 includes a display screen 16.
Control console can also include one or more input devices that are
configured to receive information from a user. For example, control
console 14 includes buttons 18.
Treadmill 10 also includes a tread base 20 which may be connected
to upright frame portions 12a and 12b. Tread base 20 has a forward
end 22 and a rearward end 24. Tread base 20 includes a base frame
26, which includes a right side frame member 28 and a left side
frame member 30. In FIG. 1, certain portions on the right side of
tread base 20 are cut away so that internal components can be seen.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of tread base 20, where certain
components of tread base 20, which are not visible in FIG. 1, may
be seen.
Right frame member 28 and left frame member 30 are in a
spaced-apart, longitudinal relationship and are substantially
parallel to each other. Right frame member 28 and left frame member
30 each generally extend between the forward end 22 and rearward
end 24 of tread base 20. Tread base 20 also includes a front
rotatable pulley 32 and a back rotatable pulley 34. Rotatable
pulleys 32 and 34 are secured to and extend between side frame
members 28 and 30. Front rotatable pulley 32 is positioned at or
near the forward end 22 of tread base 20. Back rotatable pulley 34
is positioned at or near the rearward end 24 of tread base 20. Like
side frame members 28, 30, rotatable pulleys 32, 34 are
substantially parallel to each other. However, side frame members
28, 30 and rotatable pulleys 32, 34 are positioned in a
substantially perpendicular orientation relative to one another.
Tread base 20 may also house a motor 36 that is in mechanical
communication with one or both of rotatable pulleys 32, 34. For
example, motor 36 may cause one or both of rotatable pulleys 32, 34
to rotate.
Tread base 20 further includes an endless belt 38 that is trained
over pulleys 32, 34. Rotation of one or both of rotatable pulleys
32, 34 may cause endless belt 38 to move. Endless belt 38 includes
an upwardly exposed exercise section 40 (FIG. 1) upon which a user
may walk, jog, or run during operation of treadmill 10.
Tread base 20 also includes a deck 42 that may be secured, either
directly or indirectly, to base frame 26. Deck 42 includes a left
side 44, a right side 46, a forward end 48, and a rearward end 50.
Deck 42 is positioned to extend below exercise section 40 of belt
38 and provide support to a user exercising thereon. Deck 42 may be
constructed from a number of different materials, including wood,
plastic, metal, composite materials, and the like. Depending on the
material used, deck may be substantially rigid or it may be
flexible.
Deck 42 may be configured to move, at least in part, relative to
base frame 26 during an impact event on deck 42. An impact event
may include the foot falls of a person walking, jogging, or running
on exercise section 40 of belt 38. Specifically, all or part of
deck 42 may move in a downward direction during an impact event to
provide a softer feel for the person walking, jogging, or running
on deck 42. This may reduce the stress that impact events may have
on the person's body, specifically his or her feet and legs.
For example, deck 42 may be allowed to move relative to base frame
26 via an impact absorption mechanism. Optionally, an impact
absorption mechanism may be positioned at least partially between
deck 42 and base frame 26. An impact absorption mechanism may
dampen impact events by compressing during the impact event,
thereby absorbing the impact forces. An impact absorbing device may
comprise a spring, or a compressible material including but not
limited to neoprene, foam, rubber, or another elastomer.
The impact absorption mechanism on tread base 20 comprises four
sets of cushioning members 52a-52d (eight cushioning member), which
are secured to side frame members 28, 30 via brackets 54a-54d. Left
side 44 and right side 46 of deck 42 rests on top of cushioning
members 52 such that the cushioning members 52 are positioned at
least partially between deck 42 and brackets 54, which may be
considered part of base frame 26. Although FIG. 2 illustrates eight
cushioning members 52, it is appreciated that various other numbers
of cushioning members can be used. Cushioning members 52 dampen
impact events by compressing during the impact event. Further, not
all cushioning members 52 need have the same cushioning properties.
For example, the four cushioning members 52a-52b toward the forward
end 48 of deck 42 may be more compressible than the four cushioning
members 52c-52d toward the rearward end 50 of deck 42.
Tread base 20 also includes a deck stiffening mechanism 56 that
reduces the amount that deck 42 is able to move relative to base
frame 26 during impact events. For example, deck stiffening
mechanism 56 may reduce the amount that cushioning members 52
compress during impact events on deck 42. Deck stiffening mechanism
56 includes a pair of generally rigid members 58a, 58b. As will be
discussed in more detail hereafter, a deck stiffening mechanism may
have any number of generally rigid members, which can be positioned
below a deck in any number of different locations. For example, one
or more generally rigid members may be positioned near one or more
impact absorption mechanisms on a treadmill. In treadmill 10,
generally rigid members 58 are positioned between cushioning
members 52b and 52c, near left side 44 and right side 46 of deck
42. Generally rigid members 58 may be constructed from any material
that is resistant to compression, including metal, plastic, rubber,
wood, a synthetic material, and the like.
Deck stiffening mechanism 56 also includes an engaging mechanism,
which allows the generally rigid members 58 to be selectively
engaged with and disengaged from deck 42. An engaging mechanism may
include an elongated axle 60 that interconnects generally rigid
members 58a, 58b such that movement of one generally rigid member
results in corresponding movement of the other generally rigid
member. Elongated axle 60 may extend below deck 42 and above the
lower run of belt 38, as shown in FIG. 2, such that elongated axle
60 is positioned between deck 42 and belt 38. Alternatively,
elongated axle 60 may extend below both deck 42 and belt 38.
Elongated axle 60 and generally rigid members 58 are rotatable
about an axis 62. Generally rigid members 58 extend radially away
from axis 62 such that when elongated axle 60 is rotated, generally
rigid members 58 are selectively engaged with or disengaged from
deck 42.
For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a partial side view of deck
stiffening mechanism 56. Generally rigid members 58 are movable
between a horizontal configuration 64 illustrated in phantom lines
and a vertical configuration 66 illustrated in sold lines. When
generally rigid members 58 are in horizontal orientation 64, they
do not contact deck 42 during impact events. On the other hand,
when generally rigid members 58 are in vertical orientation 66,
they make contact with and provide support to deck 42 during impact
events, thereby preventing deck 42 from moving downward toward base
frame 26 during an impact event.
An engaging mechanism may also include a handle 68, which is
mounted to right side frame member 28 and attached to generally
rigid members 58 via axle 60. Handle 68 may be elongated, oval,
round, square, or various other geometric shapes. Handle 68 may be
anything that is easily graspable and rotatable by a user. Rotation
of handle 68 selectively engages and disengages generally rigid
members 58 with deck 42. As a user of treadmill 10 rotates handle
68, axle 60 translates the movement to generally rigid members 58.
Consequently, all generally rigid members 58 in deck stiffening
mechanism 56 move substantially simultaneously.
Deck 42 may also move relative to base frame 26 due to deflection
in deck 42. This deflection or bending may occur between places
where deck 42 is connected to base frame 26. For example,
deflection in deck 42 may occur between forward end 48 and rearward
end 50 of deck 42. Deflection or bending may also occur between
left side 44 and right side 46 of deck 42. Several different
factors may determine how much a deck deflects or bends during
impact events. For instance, the construction of deck 42, including
what deck 42 is made of, may affect the amount that deck 42 bends
during an impact event. For example, if deck 42 is made from a
material that is flexible (such as wood as opposed to steel), an
increased amount of bending may be possible.
The manner in which deck 42 is attached to base frame 26 may also
affect the amount that deck 42 bends during impact events. For
example, the amount of deflection in deck 42 will increase as the
distance increases between adjacent connection locations between
deck 42 and base frame 26. Thus, in deck 42, some deflection may
occur between the places where cushioning members 52a-52d support
deck 42. This deflection may also occur between cushioning members
52 that are on opposite sides of deck 42 (i.e. between left side 44
and right side 46 of deck 42). This deflection may also occur
between cushioning members 52 that are on the same side of deck
42.
To limit the amount of deflection or bending that occurs between
left side 44 and right side 46 of deck 42, generally rigid members
may be positioned so that, when engaged with deck 42, they provide
support to deck 42 between its left side 44 and right side 46. For
example, FIG. 4A illustrates a portion of a base frame and deck
stiffening mechanism that may provide additional stiffening between
left side 44 and right side 46 of a deck 42. As seen in FIG. 4A,
the base frame includes a right frame member 70 and a left frame
member 72, and a deck stiffening mechanism 74 extends between frame
members 70 and 72. Deck stiffening mechanism 74 includes three
generally rigid members 76a-76c, which are interconnected via an
axle 78. In this embodiment, axle 78 and generally rigid member 76b
would be positioned between deck 42 and belt 38. Generally rigid
member 76b, when engaged with deck 42, provides support to deck 42
between its left and right sides 44, 46, thus reducing the amount
of deflection between left and right sides 44, 46 of supported deck
42. Generally rigid member 76b may be positioned approximately
equidistant from right frame member 70 and left frame member
72.
FIG. 4B also illustrates a portion of a base frame and deck
stiffening mechanism that may provide additional stiffening between
left side 44 and right side 46 of a deck 42. As seen in FIG. 4B,
the base frame includes a right frame member 80 and a left frame
member 82, and a deck stiffening mechanism 84 extends between frame
members 80 and 82. In this embodiment, deck stiffening mechanism 84
includes a single generally rigid member 86, which is attached to
an axle 88. Generally rigid member 86 is configured to provide
support to all or most of a deck between a left and right side. In
this embodiment, as with the previous, axle 88 and generally rigid
member 86 would extend between a deck and a belt. Rigid member 86,
when engaged with the deck, provides support between a left and
right side of a deck, thus reducing the amount of deflection
between left and right sides of the supported deck.
To limit the amount of longitudinal deflection of a deck occurring
between places where a deck is secured to a tread base, additional
deck stiffening mechanisms may be interposed between the contact
points that connect the deck and the base frame. For example, FIG.
5 illustrates a bottom view of a tread base 100, which is similar
to tread base 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, tread base 100 has
a forward end 102, a rearward end 104, and a base frame 106
comprising a right side frame member 108 and a left side frame
member 110. Tread base 100 also includes a front rotatable pulley
112, a back rotatable pulley 114, and an endless belt 116 that is
trained over pulleys 112 and 114. Rotation of one or both of
rotatable pulleys 112 and 114 may cause endless belt 116 to move.
Tread base 100 also includes a deck 118 that provides support to an
exercising user. Deck 118 is secured to base frame 106 via supports
120, which are secured to side frame members 108 and 110 and may be
considered a part of base frame 106. Deck 114 may move relative to
base frame 106 during impact events in order to cushion the impact
events.
Tread base 100 includes four deck stiffening mechanisms 122a-122d
that may reduce the amount that deck 118 is able to bend, deflect,
or otherwise move relative to base frame 106 during impact events.
Deck stiffening mechanisms 122 include generally rigid members
124a-124d, which are pivotally secured to right side frame member
108 and left side frame member 110. Generally rigid members 124 may
be positioned below deck 118 and provide support thereto during
impact events. Deck stiffening mechanisms 122 also include engaging
mechanisms, which may selectively move general rigid members 124
into or out of engagement with deck 118. Specifically, generally
rigid members 124 are movable between a nonengaged configuration
illustrated in phantom lines and an engaged configuration
illustrated in sold lines. When generally rigid members 124 are in
the nonengaged configuration, they are not positioned under and do
not contact deck 118 during impact events. On the other hand, when
generally rigid members 124 are in the engaged configuration, they
are positioned under, make contact with, and provide support to
deck 118 during impact events.
Unlike deck stiffening mechanism 56 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
generally rigid members 124 are not interconnected in deck
stiffening mechanism 122. This embodiment would require a user to
engage or disengage each deck stiffening mechanism 122 separately.
Deck stiffening mechanisms 122 do not require rotation of a lever
to engage or disengage. Rather, the engaging mechanisms on deck
stiffening mechanisms 122 comprise levers 126a-26d, which a user
may slide individually to engage or disengage generally rigid
members 124.
As stated previously, an engaging mechanism may be any mechanism
that allows a user to selectively engage and disengage a deck
stiffening mechanism. The engaging mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 includes a handle that a user may rotate. The engaging
mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a lever that a user may
slide. FIG. 6 illustrates a deck stiffening mechanism 150 with
another possible engaging mechanism. Specifically, the engaging
mechanism on deck stiffening mechanism 150 includes a motor 152,
which is secured to a base frame 154. Motor 152 is in electrical
communication with a control console 156. Motor 152 may comprise a
screw motor or another device that extends an arm into a position
where movement between a deck and base frame 154 is reduced or
eliminated. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows motor 152 in a nonengaged
configuration in solid lines and in an engaged configuration in
phantom lines.
Control console 156 may include one or more input devices 158 that
may be activated to cause deck stiffening mechanism 150 to engage
and disengage a deck. Input devices 158 may comprise buttons,
switches, rheostats, potentiometers, touch sensitive controls,
voice activated controllers, and the like. Control console 156 may
further comprise a display screen 160. Display screen 160 may
include a video display, liquid crystal display (LCD), light
emitting diodes (LEDs), cathode ray tube (CRT) display,
electroluminescent display (ELD), gas-plasma display, thin film
transistor (TFT) display, virtual reality (VR) display, and the
like. Display screen 160 may include an indicator that alerts a
user as to whether deck stiffening mechanism 150 is engaged or
disengaged. For example, a light may be illuminated when deck
stiffening mechanism is engaged. Alternatively, display screen 160
may display a symbol or wording to alert a user as to whether deck
stiffening mechanism is engaged or disengaged.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
exercise devices having a deck stiffening mechanism that eliminate,
in part or in whole, movement that occurs between a deck and a base
frame in a treadmill. Movement between a deck and a base frame may
or may not be desirable to a person performing an exercise on a
treadmill. For example, movement between a deck and a base frame
may provide a softened surface for walking, jogging, and running,
which may help prevent leg and foot injuries. Movement between a
deck and a base frame may not be desirable for a person who is
using a treadmill to prepare for an outdoor event, as the softened
surface may not realistically simulate the terrain on which the
outdoor event is to take place. For example, for a person preparing
for the Boston Marathon, a rigid deck may be desirable because is
more realistically simulates the terrain to be encountered during
the marathon.
Movement between a deck and a base frame may be caused by
cushioning members that are positioned between a deck and a base
frame. This movement between a deck and a base frame may also be
caused by deflection or bending in a deck. Depending on how the
deck is secured to the base frame, deflection of the deck may allow
significant bending. For example, the deck may be secured to the
base frame at only one end, leaving the other end to move freely.
This configuration is similar to a diving board and may allow
significant movement of the free end of the deck.
The deck stiffening mechanisms of the present invention eliminate,
in part or in whole, this movement by selectively positioning one
or more generally rigid members between the deck and the base
frame. Any number of separate deck stiffening mechanisms may be
positioned below a deck. Each deck stiffening mechanism may include
one or more generally rigid members. These generally rigid members
may be positioned anywhere below the deck. For example, the
generally rigid members may be positioned toward the sides of the
deck or somewhere in between.
Deck stiffening mechanisms may also include engaging mechanisms. An
engaging mechanism may allow the generally rigid members to be
selectively engaged with or disengaged from a deck. An engaging
mechanism may include a handle, a knob, a lever, or the like that
must be moved in a particular direction to engage or disengage the
generally rigid members. Alternatively, an engaging mechanism may
include a motor or another electronic device that selectively
engages and disengages the generally rigid members, such as in
response to a user input. The motor may include a screw drive,
hydraulic drive, or another drive that selectively extends an arm
member. A user input device may be located on a treadmill control
console. The control console may also include a mechanism that
signals to a user when the generally rigid members are engaged and
disengaged. For example, a light, symbol, word, or words may be
displayed to a user.
* * * * *